Dihydroergotamine (DHE) : Therapeutic uses, Dosage & Side Effects
Dihydroergotamine (ergot alkaloid) is a partial agonists or antagonists at serotonergic, dopaminergic, and adrenergic receptors, used to treat migraine.
Dose : 2-6 mg Oral, 0.5-1 mg I.M. / S.C.
Route : Oral, Intramuscular, Subcutaneous
Plasma half-life : 9 hours
Duration of action : N/A
Bioavailability : 32% nasal spray
Chemical formula : C33H37
IUPAC name : (2R,4R,7R)-N-[(1S,2S,4R,7S)-7-benzyl-2-hydroxy-4-methyl-5,8-dioxo-3-oxa-6,9-diazatricyclo[7.3.0.02,6]dodecan-4-yl]-6-methyl-6,11-diazatetracyclo[7.6.1.02,7.012,16]hexadeca-1(16),9,12,14-tetraene-4-carboxamide
Trade name : Dihydergot, Migranil, D.H.E. 45, Migranal
Therapeutic uses :
Dihydroergotamine is used to treat migraine (migraine headaches) because of vasoconstriction property that narrows blood vessels in the brain (most effective when given during the prodromal phase).
Side effects : Adverse effects of Dihydroergotamine are as follows:
- Nausea,
- Vomiting,
- Numbness and tingling of fingers and toes,
- Headache,
- Precordial distress and pain suggestive of angina pectoris,
- Transient tachycardia or bradycardia,
- Localized edema and itching.
Contraindications :
- The use of ergot alkaloids for migraine should be restricted to patients having frequent, moderate migraine or infrequent, severe migraine attacks
- Ergot alkaloids are contraindicated in women who are, or may become, pregnant because the drugs may cause fetal distress and miscarriage.
- Ergot alkaloids also are contraindicated in patients with peripheral vascular disease, coronary artery disease, hypertension, impaired hepatic or renal function, and sepsis.
- Ergot alkaloids should not be taken within 24 hours of the use of the triptans, and should not be used concurrently with other drugs that can cause vasoconstriction.
For detailed query or in case of uncertainty, Always consult your doctor or pharmacist.